Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix (Healthy Taco Seasoning Recipe) is a great substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. A low carb, gluten-free, keto taco seasoning recipe.
Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix (Healthy Taco Seasoning Recipe)
I have been making this recipe for years as it is super simple, healthier, and cheaper. I love that I know that I am putting real ingredients in my family's food.
Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a taco seasoning packet? I am staring at a packet that I have had in my pantry for probably as long as I have come up with this recipe.
It is an omen. I must have kept it long enough so I could read off the ingredients to you. 🙂
Here are the ingredients as they are listed on the back of my packet:
Whey onion, modified corn starch, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, natural flavors with oleoresin paprika (for color), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), spices including chili pepper, caramel color (contains sodium bisulfite), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.
I had to look up disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate and they are similar to MSG and can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. I am actually allergic MSG so I'm glad I looked this up.
Do you really want to eat this stuff? You don't need to anymore...
Low Carb, Gluten-free, Sugar-Free, Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe
Due to some health concerns of mine, my husband and I recently started following a keto diet. Because my original version of the taco mix has corn starch and sugar, I played around with substitutions until I came up with a sugar-free and cornstarch (carb) free option. I'm so excited because it literally tastes that same as the original version! Voila! a keto taco seasoning recipe was born! 🙂
The recipe calls for cornstarch in order to help thicken the water and seasoning mixture into a sauce. To make this a lower carb version, I substituted ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum, but it's an optional thickener only. You could just use a ½ cup of water, instead of ¾ cup and let the liquid reduce. If you do use xanthan gum, use only ¼ to ½ tsp. A little goes a long way - too much and it will become gummy.
What You Will Need to Make This Healthy Taco Seasoning Mix
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Tools
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container (if keeping a pre-made stash in your pantry)
Ingredients
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe below 🙂
- Chili Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Granulated Sugar Substitute or Regular Sugar
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt (My Favorite Salt!)
- Pepper
How to Make Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix
Each recipe makes the equivalent to one taco seasoning packet. I often triple or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container to have on hand. When you go to make the recipe you would use approximately 4 tablespoons of the mixture.
Note: This version is mild, but you can definitely add cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Actually feel free to play around with any of the seasoning quantities to your liking.
How To Make Taco Meat
To make taco meat, brown 1 lb ground beef, then add seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Usually, this process takes about 5 to 10 minutes on medium-high.
More Mexican Recipes You're Going to Love!
- Quick Stuffed Zucchini Taco Boats
- Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup (Keto Slow Cooker Mexican Soup)
- Easy Fresh Homemade Guacamole
- Skillet Chicken Fajitas Bake (Low Carb and Keto)
- Skinny Lemon Mojito Recipe
- Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup (Low Carb and Keto Soup Recipe)
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Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix
This copycat taco seasoning mix tastes better than the real thing. The best part - it's super easy and you know what ingredients are going in your food! If you are on a low-carb, gluten free, sugar free, paleo, or keto diet see appropriate substitutions in parenthesis. You will not notice a difference by making these substitutions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or substitute 1 tsp. stevia or 2 tsp. erythritol
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your liking
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Optional thickener: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute -⅛ to ¼ teaspoon xantham gum
Instructions
Taco Seasoning Mix
- In a bowl combine all of the above ingredients. Each recipe is equivalent to a package of taco seasoning mix you would buy in the store.
Taco Meat
- To make taco meat: brown 1 lb. ground beef (drained), add taco seasoning mix, and ¾ cup of water. Over medium-high heat, cook until liquid is reduced and meat mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
Note: this is a mild taco seasoning. Add cayenne pepper to increase heat to your liking. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 13Total Fat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 334mgCarbohydrates: 2.6gNet Carbohydrates: 1.4gFiber: 1.2gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 0.5g
DISCLAIMER: Any changes to this recipe could change the nutrition facts. Nutrition facts are provided as a reference only and are calculated to the best of our ability using Nutritionix. If you are concerned, always calculate your own nutritional analysis. The information provided on Seeking Good Eats is for informational use only and we are not liable for how that information is used. The information provided by Seeking Good Eats is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
Symantha Bonham says
I cannot wait to make this!! What is xantham gum? And where do I purchase it?
seekinggoodeats says
Oh great! Be sure to make extra and store some for later! 🙂 Xanthan gum is a gluten-free keto-friendly thickener. A little goes a long way. Usually you won't need more than 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in a recipe. I get it from Amazon, here's the link: xanthan gum
Elizabeth says
My sister is making this tonight. Looking forward to tasting it!
Xylitol is another sugar sub and is sweeter than
Erythritol.